Project DAWN

Project DAWN (Deaths Avoided With Naloxone) is a community-based overdose education and naloxone distribution program that was created as a way to combat Ohio’s opioid overdose epidemic.

Naloxone (also known as Narcan) is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (heroin or prescription pain medications). When administered during an overdose, Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and quickly restores breathing.

Naloxone has been used safely by emergency medical professionals for more than 40 years and has only this one critical function: to reverse the effects of opioids in order to prevent overdose death.

Key Points:

Naloxone has no potential for abuse.

If given to a person who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, it is harmless.

If administered to a person who is dependent on opioids, it will produce non-life threatening withdrawal symptoms.

It does not reverse overdoses that are caused by non-opioid drugs, such as cocaine, benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin,Valium), methamphetamines or alcohol.

It takes less than 30 minutes to obtain a kit that could save a life. Attendees learn to:

Recognize the signs and symptoms of overdose

Distinguish between different types of overdose

Perform rescue breathing

Call emergency medical services

Administer intranasal Naloxone

The kit includes:

2 vials of Naloxone medication

2 nasal atomizers

2 face shields

1 educational DVD

1 educational booklet

Obtaining a Project DAWN kit:

With the passage of HB 170, the kits may be dispensed to the individual with addiction, as well as a family member, friend, or loved one.

Many pharmacies in Hancock County and across Ohio provide naloxone without a prescription. In the pharmacy, insurance will be required, and there will be an out of pocket expense. Click here to see which pharmacies in Hancock County carry naloxone.

You may also obtain a naloxone kit for free through Hancock Public Health's Project DAWN program. Walk-in's are accepted, however, it is preferred that you schedule an appointment in order to ensure a staff member will be available to complete the education and distribution with you.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or would like more information, contact: